The trio used homemade tools to smash their way into rural homes, usually at night. They stole jewellery, cash, electrical items and other personal possessions between April and June this year.

The three men were caught after Norfolk and Suffolk police joined forces to investigate the raids. with blood, footprints and DNA used to snare the gang.

Adrian Budurcoiu, 22, and Mihai Gherghinescu, 33, from Myrtle Road, Ipswich and Traian Vasiluta, 23, from Eltham Green Road in London appeared before Ipswich Crown Court today, after they admitted conspiracy to burgle.

Budurcoiu was sentenced to five years and four months, while Gherghinescu and Vasiluta both received seven years and four months.

Traian Vasiluta. Pic: Suffolk Constabulary.

There were 18 burglaries in Norfolk, 51 in Suffolk and one in Cambridgeshire. Gherghinesco admitted involvement in 17 burglaries, Vasiluta 38 and Budurcoiu four.

When arrested, Gherghinescu was found to be in possession of a purpose made tool to smash glass which he was wearing around his neck and Vasiluta had a similar device in the glove box of his car.

Lawyers representing the three men said they had expressed genuine remorse. Gherghinesco had acted “out of desperation” to support his children and had made a foolish decision to become involved.

Sentencing the men, Judge Rupert Overbury said he was satisfied the value of what was taken in the raids was well in excess of £125,000.

Judge Overbury said: “The burglaries were premeditated, professional, well planned using equipment to steal using a homemade device to shatter glass which one would normally consider to be impervious.”

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Inspector Nick Power, who oversaw the investigation, said: “We welcome the sentencing at court today; these three men left a trail of destruction.

“Detecting burglaries and bringing those responsible to justice is a priority for Suffolk Police and in this investigation detectives worked jointly across Norfolk and Suffolk to ensure sufficient evidence was gathered to secure a charging decision.

“Being burgled is considered to be one of the most feared crimes; to have your home entered by an unwanted visitor or visitors and have your sentimental, often irreplaceable possessions stolen can be very distressing.

“These men showed no remorse for what they had done, targeting up to 70 homes over a two month period.

“Hopefully the outcome at court will give the victims some satisfaction knowing those responsible are now facing lengthy custodial sentences.”